2016 - Personal Reflection

I normally try to avoid just writing about the day to day of my life on my blog (I save that for my journal and/or notes app!) and I strive to post only the stories that are embedded with life lessons and spiritual truths that could be applied elsewhere, or at least relatable to readers. So with that being said, feel free to skip this post and move along to the next one to avoid reading about my life! I won't be offended.

However, as 2016 draws to a close and I reflect upon the past year, I am overwhelmed by the highlights of it all! I need to share some of the goodness that God has sprinkled over and around my life throughout the past twelve months, even if no one reads it except for my roommate and me. 😉

Yes, I faced new challenges, struggled with new AND old inner battles, and had my heart broken this year. Sometimes, I got really down on myself because my life hasn't turned out exactly how I expected that it would. But when I just stop and decide to only focus on the good, all of that is overshadowed by the fact that 2016 has been mostly overwhelmingly and divinely wonderful. God has paved the way each and every day.

One year ago, an old friend of mine, @parislibretto, said this to me via Instagram:

"God has some incredible things in store for you! This year is a year where He will give life to dead dreams & open doors that you never thought he would; He's just waiting for you to take one step to align the rest for you! You are meant to do great things; He wants you to become the best you possible to gain power & wisdom to help & encourage others! I'm sure that's for you."  - J

I don't know if I just really took to that and it became a self-fulfilling prophesy, or if it was an actual prophesy, but those words gave life to my year.  Here's the proof.

​Highlights of 2016 - As Told By Me

It started out at Liberty's winter fest on NYE, kicking off the year with some family and friends, worshiping in the presence of the Lord.
I kicked off my blog around this time too, and have maintained it fairly consistently throughout the year, slowly building a platform and growing as a writer.
My student teaching school hired me to finish the year as a LTS and I got to teach photography, digital art, and art. 😍
I met wonderful people (lifelong friends!) and gained invaluable experience during my time at that school.
I finished my teaching license program, and even though my advisor said I would probably need to take a few additional classes to get my license, I applied for state licensure anyway- and got approved! I officially became certified to teach.
I got to keep working at Hollister part time, keep in touch with my little darlings, and remain on HCOs (awesome) insurance plan for the remainder of the year (God always provides a way).
I got to go to yet another wonderful and life changing Devoted Conference with two of my best friends.
I was a bridesmaid in Diana's wedding. It was beautiful and magical, and the whole process brought us closer together as friends. I'm so thankful for my girl friends!
For a short time, I got to experience what it's like to be a part of a small group, studying God's word and applying it to our lives together, in an intimate setting.
I had so many profound, intimate, life-giving moments with God throughout the year.
I discovered Jen Hatmaker and read almost all of her life changing books!
I got an idea for a book of my own and drafted out a rough proposal for it. The best part of that process was the connectedness and intimacy it brought to my relationship with God. As I was honed in on hearing from Him to write it, I learned more about who he is. This is still a work in progress. 
I started running! For the first time since I was a teen, I've been able to run for more than 3miles without stopping this year (Don't judge, you marathonners! This is an accomplishment for me!).
My summer kicked off with a trip to Nicaragua. This was hands down one of the best, most memorable experiences of my life. I fell in love with the language, the culture, the land, the people, and of course, Jesus.
I got to prepare a devotional message for the first time and share it with a group while we were there; it was also one of my favorite experiences ever.
I was able to attend She Speaks conference, an instructional and inspirational conference for aspiring Christian authors and speakers. I met notorious writers and publishers, who shared their wisdom with me.
I got my first "business cards." (It's the little stuff, people!)
I got to visit my childhood best friend TWICE! Once for her baby shower, and again over the summer. 💛
I was able to move back to Virginia Beach! We snagged a cozy apartment right by the bay with my bestie.
I've been able to take care of and provide for myself and my son every single day- even though I was jobless for a couple of months, we were so blessed and provided for by others that we never went without.
On that note, I didn't work this summer, which meant long, beautiful beach days with Isaiah, long evening runs, and lots of good, home cooked meals.
We got to go on vacation with my family on our traditional trip to the condo in MB
I didn't go through any custody/court stuff this year. Actually, coparenting has actually turned out to be a rather pleasant experience (we're lucky, I know).
Even though I moved to VB without a job lined up, I got called to an interview about a week after moving in. It's the only interview I had to go to here- I got the job! It's actually the best. It feels so good to have a career that I enjoy so much, naturally. I couldn't be at a better school. The admins, colleagues, and student body are awesome and make my job easy and enjoyable. It doesn't even feel like going to work (although I do have a lot of work to do!).
I was able to find an awesome fit for daycare & preschool for Isaiah; he enjoys it and is well cared for every day that he goes. I was so worried about how he would adjust and what it would be like, but he loves it & is learning so much!
I got to be involved with a book launch and learn edmore about what it's like to be a newer author releasing and promoting a book.
After years of singleness, I met someone & was relieved to find that I haven't lost the ability to be smitten, have a crush, enjoy intimacy, or feel romantic toward someone. I had feared that these were things I was no longer capable of, so even I though it didn't work out, at least I learned that my heart still works 👌.

After writing down all of these "highlights" for the year, I feel ridiculous for ever pouting, doubting, or allowing myself to dip into self pity, even for a second. Life is good. My life is good.

Writing out some of the ways I've been blessed helps me to remember that- to cultivate and strengthen that "attitude of gratitude."  It inspires me to commit to choosing to see the good, each and every day, and to respond to life with an optimistic and grateful heart. 

If you're feeling crummy about the past twelve months, or maybe wondering if this year was a total fail, I dare you to start a highlights list of your own. Like me, you might find yourself surprised by how the list keeps going on and on!

A positive mindset is a powerful thing;
The heart believes what the mind perceives.